TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - This Christmas, donors across Canada
helped support The Salvation Army's efforts to reduce poverty
nationwide by donating more than $20 million to the annual Kettle
Campaign. Funds raised in the nearly 2,000 kettles in stores, on street
corners and online, will be used to support programs that help restore
hope and dignity to more than 1.7 million each year throughout the
country.

"We're incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity that helped
us fill the kettles this year," said Graham Moore, Territorial
Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army
in Canada. "Meeting and surpassing our ambitious $19 million goal will
help us meet the increased demand for our services and provide a sense
of dignity for all throughout 2012."

This year marked the 120th anniversary of The Salvation Army's Christmas
Kettle Campaign and the more than $20 million raised surpassed an
all-time record. In addition to physical kettles located on street
corners and shopping centres across the country, donors also had the
option to give online at www.FilltheKettle.com.

"We owe the success of this year's campaign to everyone who donated, the
thousands of volunteers who manned our kettles and the various malls,
retail stores and shopping centres that welcomed us in this Christmas,"
said Graham Moore. "Without this support, we would not be able to raise
the funds needed to address the dehumanizing scourge of poverty
throughout the upcoming year."

The Salvation Army Christmas Campaign helps provide direct,
compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.7 million people in
Canada each year. This annual campaign has grown into one of Canada's
most significant and recognizable charitable events. Last year, more
than $18 million was raised in kettles nationwide. The Salvation Army
relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including Walmart
and Loblaw Companies Limited, which allow Christmas Kettles to be
placed in their stores each year.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began
its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest
non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The
Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and
everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries
around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for
children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life,
providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who
have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The
Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and
overlooked people in your community.